Air pollution is usually defined as the contamination of the air caused by chemicals or particles. It affects a person’s physical and mental health and contributes to almost 7 million deaths every year. In a recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers said air pollution affects and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease- a brain disorder that destroys a person’s memory and thinking ability. AD changes a person’s behavior as it affects cognitive functions.
In this research conducted by researchers from Emory University, 1,113 adults aged between 45 and 75 years were involved. The participated adults were healthy and had normal cognitive functions. The data for this study was collected from the Emory Healthy Brain Study in Georgia, United States between 2016 and 2020. This research was mainly focused on people from the Atlanta metropolitan area (polluted area).
When researchers observed and studied the collected data thoroughly, they found an association between air pollution and the presence of AD-related biomarkers in the brains of the participants. Researchers found amyloid plaques in the cerebrospinal fluid of participants who lived in places with air pollution. Amyloid plaque is a sign of AD. This presence of amyloid plaques proves the association between air pollution and the development of AD.
One of the researchers has made it clear that the findings of this study are very important as they clearly show that air pollution affects physical and mental health. He further said that lowering air pollution can be an effective strategy to reduce the risk of AD.
Even though lowering air pollution is not easy, people in polluted areas can use masks and avoid going outside when not needed. People should also adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle. This reduces the risk of AD and also helps maintain low blood pressure.
Healthcare professionals should make some effective strategies to reduce the risk of AD. This study will be helpful and can be used to protect the physical health and mental health of humans as its findings are clearly showing the risk of the development of AD and air pollution are associated.
Reference link:
Emma Casey et al, Association between Fine Particulate Matter Exposure and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease among a Cognitively Healthy Population-Based Cohort, Environmental Health Perspectives (2024).
